Former India coach Ravi Shastri has reacted to the on-field drama that unfolded in the last over of Day 3 between Shubman Gill and England opener Zak Crawley at Lord’s.England and India accused each other of sharp practice after Crawley’s conduct on Saturday drew an angry reaction from India captain Shubman Gill.Crawley ensured there were only six deliveries from Jasprit Bumrah before stumps by twice withdrawing from his stance and then calling for the physio after the fifth ball, which appeared to make only minimal contact with his glove.Tempers flared as it became evident that India would not be able to bowl another over before the close. Host broadcaster Sky Sports even issued an on-air apology after a stump microphone picked up Gill swearing angrily at Crawley.Crawley and Gill jabbed fingers at each other as they exchanged choice words, with England’s other opener, Ben Duckett, also getting involved.
“If I’m wearing the Indian hat, I would have done all that, you know,” Ravi Shastri told Sky Cricket.“We call it Tamasha. All that is allowed, you know—on the field of play, you want all that. You can’t just have ‘good morning, good evening, go home’. A little bit of argy-bargy is okay!As long as you don’t cross the line, I’m okay with all that.”Tim Southee, England’s bowling consultant, suggested Gill was guilty of double standards after delaying the end of England’s innings on Day 2 to receive treatment, while India all-rounder Washington Sundar also held up proceedings during his batting stint for what appeared to be a comfort break.“I’m not sure what they were complaining about when Gill was lying down getting a massage in the middle of the day yesterday,” Southee told reporters after stumps on Saturday.“It’s obviously part of the game. It’s always exciting to see both sides animated towards the end, and it was an exciting way to finish the day. It was good to see energy from both sides.”
